Preconference Institute

Please note all fees listed are early-bird rates. Register by March 6 to receive these prices.

Facilities Management

Saturday, April 18
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

In addition to running entrepreneur support programs, most incubator managers also are responsible for a physical facility, with duties such as writing and enforcing lease agreements, contracting for utilities and deciding how to allocate space. This workshop will cover various aspects of managing the facility shared by incubator staff and client companies, including:

Please Note: This workshop is a requirement of the NBIA Incubator Management Certificate Program. Visit www.nbia.org/nbia_events/certificate to learn more about this program and its requirements.

Fee: $379 NBIA members/$449 nonmembers

Serving Client Companies

Sunday, April 19
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Good incubators provide entrepreneurs with programs and services to help them succeed. The first part of this workshop will explain how to develop an effective lineup of client services, covering topics such as teaching business basics, creating service provider networks, setting up finance programs, preparing clients for investment capital, sharing services and space, offering marketing assistance, and more. In the second half, participants will start developing their own plans for client services with guidance from the presenters.

Please Note: This workshop is a requirement of the NBIA Incubator Management Certificate Program. Visit www.nbia.org/nbia_events/certificate/ to learn more about this program and its requirements.

Fee: $379 NBIA members/$449 nonmembers

Developing a Successful Incubator

Sunday, April 19
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Are you developing an incubator or new to the business incubation industry? If so, this workshop is for you. A perennial favorite, this comprehensive course addresses all aspects of incubator development. The presenters, who have helped launch more than 50 incubation programs, will cover topics such as needs assessments, site assessment, facility design, incubator business plans, organizational structure, staffing and compensation, and marketing and client recruitment. The workshop will provide a workbook including the latest information about industry best practices (U.S. and international), lists of key resources, sample documents and more.

Successful Incubator Management in Changing Times

Sunday, April 19
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

In times of economic uncertainty, an incubator must adapt to meet the community’s shifting needs. Through discussions of an incubator’s business model, mission statement, position within the community and the surrounding economic climate, participants will explore how to remain flexible in changing times and respond to new opportunities. You’ll leave with ideas for innovative services, marketing strategies, plans for community alliances and tools to modify your business model. If you are looking for a comprehensive re-evaluation of your program – or just want to ensure that you are maximizing your incubator’s effectiveness – this workshop is for you!

Note: Attend two half-day workshops and pay the same price as a full-day workshop!

Finding and Keeping Good Sponsors

Sunday, April 198 a.m. – noon

Sponsors can provide additional funding for operations and other needs, but they also are key sources of information, support, networking and advice for you and your clients. Discovering and maintaining long-term sponsor relationships can be essential to your incubator’s success. Learn how to price your options, put together formal sponsor agreements, properly acknowledge and honor sponsors, maximize interaction and maintain relationships. The presenter will provide sample letters and contracts, along with other resources, so you can recognizewho will become a good sponsor, how to deal with demanding supporters and how to receive the support you need.

Mark Long, President, Long Performance Advisors, Greenwood, Ind.

Fee: $259 NBIA members/$309 nonmembers

Building a Winning Pipeline

Sunday, April 19
8 a.m. – noon

A healthy pipeline of new entrepreneurial ventures leads to stronger clients, a higher probability of successful graduates, and – ultimately – a proven track record and increased credibility for your organization. But how do you find and recruit these high-potential start-ups? Learn from InNOVAcorp’s client outreach strategy – a multifaceted approach that evolves with changes in the economy, target industries, information technology and communications trends. Learn how the organization advances the growth of early-stage companies, facilitates the commercialization of university research and attracts venture capital to the region.

Seeking Grants From Private Foundations: Understanding the Process

Sunday, April 19
1 – 5 p.m.

In a slow economy, grants are vital to your organization’s success. With the right strategy and approach to seeking and securing funding from private foundations, you can ensure your incubator’s financial sustainability. The presenter will discuss the main steps in the grant-seeking process, including how to:

Identify your incubator’s needs

Find potential foundations and discern their interest

Create a grant-seeking strategy

Prepare successful proposals

Build relationships with potential funders

Maintain a relationship and communicate with funders

You’ll learn everything you need to know to get started in finding and securing grants from private foundations, including pitfalls you should avoid and tips for success.

Kris Parmelee, Parmelee Consulting Group, Indianapolis, Ind.

Fee: $259 NBIA members/$309 nonmembers

Tools for Building a Rock-Solid, Fundable Business

Sunday, April 19
1 – 5 p.m.

New entrepreneurs will need your assistance to determine when their products or services will be ready to go to market. Armed with the right evaluation tools, you can provide a strategy that will lead start-up businesses to success. This workshop will cover how to:

Measure your clients’ attitude and aptitude for launching a business

Determine the company’s potential for innovative practices and products

Assess commercial products

Profile clients’ potential for market success and investor funding

Evaluate the development process and plan the next steps

Verify that a business plan is investor-worthy

Assign value to a venture

The assessment resources provided in the workshop can be self-administered by the entrepreneur, with consulting support provided by the incubator professional.